Key won't turn in ignition. Tried seemingly everything

[DgtTJ]

Hello All!

So I just bought a 2001 TJ last week with 125000 miles. And after a week of driving, my first major issue has arisen.

When I stick the key in the ignition, and go to turn it. it does not budge. I read on other forums and threads to try to hammer method, various forms of tapping and pounding have not done anything. I tried dry and wet lubricant, with no success. I even had a new key made, no luck.

At this point I would like to get the cylinder out, but I can't do that without turning the key to the On position.

Does anybody have any suggestions for me to do next?

At this point I'll probably end up calling a mobile locksmith to drill it out and replace it.

any input is greatly appreciated.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Have you tried turning the steering wheel one way or the other to allow it to unlock?

 

[DgtTJ]

Have you tried turning the steering wheel one way or the other to allow it to unlock?

When the problem initially occurred, the steering was unlocked. Since then, I locked the steering when I was desperately trying to get it to function.

 

[T Crawford]

Try tapping /banging on the end of the key, with something like a hammer handle, don’t beat it but tap it a. It

 

[Bofa-Deez]

When you say that you had a new key made, was it made by the dealer from the VIN or did you make a copy. Mine had almost the exact same mileage and the PO gave me 2 keys.one of them started sticking exactly like you are describing so I switched to the other one which has worked flawlessly. One of the keys was worn more than the other causing it to not lock the door from the exterior, but it would unlock them. I also had trouble getting the ignition into the accessory position, although it would start the jeep without issue.

Does the key lock and unlock the doors perfectly? Does it also unlock the glove box and console the way it should? I quess what I am getting at is, does it only seem to not function correctly in the ignition, or also in the door, tailgate, glove box etc?

 

[DgtTJ]

When you say that you had a new key made, was it made by the dealer from the VIN or did you make a copy. Mine had almost the exact same mileage and the PO gave me 2 keys.one of them started sticking exactly lime you are describing so I switched to the other one which has worked flawlessly.

Does the key lock and unlock the doors perfectly? Does it also unlock the glove box and console the way it should? I quess what I am getting at is, does it only seem to not function correctly in the ignition, or also in the door, tailgate, glove box etc?

The key works on everything, except the ignition. Both the new key and the one I was given when I bought it.

 

[Bofa-Deez]

Well damn bro, that's all I have to add. I had something similar happen to my Goldwing, but some dry lube spray fixed it. I see you tried that already.

Good luck man.

 

[ac_]

I had the same exact problem when I bought mine. I went to the auto parts store and bought a new key switch. It came with new tumblers, so I was able to keep the same key. It has instructions as well as a sheet where you can pull your old lock cylinder apart, and put the tumblers there, so you can keep track of where they go. Then you put the new ones that match into the new cylinder and re-install it. The whole thing took about two hours because for me it was summer time and super hot, and I was super careful.

You don't even need to pull the steering wheel. Just remove the covers behind the wheel and the key switch is right there. The whole job was pretty easy.